BMW X5 xDrive40e Hybrid Charges Into Malaysia
The new BMW X5 xDrive40e plug-in hybrid SUV is set to jolt the premium SUV (BMW terms it the Sports Activity Vehicle or SAV) segment with its functionality, cutting-edge technology and a competitive retail price of RM 388,800 (on-the-road without insurance). This pricing is courtesy of local assembly and the government’s hybrid incentive, without which this very same X5 would have retailed for RM 582,800.
The BMW X5 hybrid joins 10 other BMW models at the local assembly line in BMW Group Malaysia’s Assembly Facilities in Kulim, Kedah.
Powering the X5’s four wheels are a 2-litre petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo and a synchronous electric motor integrated with an 8-speed Steptronic transmission. The 4-cylinder petrol engine delivers 180 kW (245 hp) and 350 Nm of torque while the electric motor dishes out 83 kW and 250 Nm. Combined power equates to 230 kW (or 308 hp) and 450 Nm. This allows the BMW X5 xDrive40e to get from 0 – 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds yet still have a rated fuel consumption of 3.3 l / 100 km.
The plug-in nature of the X5 means that the 9.2 kWh lithium-ion battery can be charged from the comfort of your home’s power socket instead of relying on the petrol engine (this effectively brings down running cost). BMW includes a home charging unit with 3-pin plug but an optional faster charging i Wallbox Pro can be had for RM 6,000. As part of the BMW 360° ELECTRIC initiative, buyers of the X5 hybrid get a ChargeNow card which gains you access to ChargeNow’s ChargEV charging stations. The ChargEV stations are already in 19 locations around Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Kedah, Melaka and Johor, with more stations slated to join the network; this is in partnership with Malaysian Green Technology Corporation (GreenTech Malaysia).
On battery power alone, the X5 is said to have a maximum range of 30 km at a top speed of 120 km/h so you don’t have to crawl to the pasar like you would with a sedan hybrid. To fit the battery pack under the cargo area yet still have usable space, BMW has sacrificed the third row seats. The battery pack comes in modules and is covered by a 6-year warranty; inefficient or worn modules can be changed without swapping out the entire battery pack thereby reducing cost.
Other than the standard BMW driving modes (Eco Pro, Comfort and Sports), the X5 xDrive40e has three eDrive modes for optimum operation. In MAX eDrive, the X5 is powered solely by the electric motor to a maximum of 30 km, depending on driving conditions. SAVE Battery mode allows you to build up the battery’s power reserve to be used later in the journey. Or you can leave it in the default AUTO eDrive and let the car decide how the petrol engine and electric motor should work for optimum and efficient power.
The Malaysian variant of the BMW X5 xDrive40e comes standard with adaptive LED headlights, LED fog lights and M Sport Aerodynamic Package. This includes the Adaptive M suspension with specifically tuned Dynamic Damper Control and air suspension as well as 19″ M Double-spoke alloy wheels.
Other features include the BMW ConnectedDrive with a 10.25″ screen and navigation, brake energy regeneration, Driving Assistant system featuring Lane Departure Warning, City & Pedestrian Collision Warning, Park Distance Control, Surround View with rear view camera, Concierge Services, eDrive Services, BMW Teleservices and Intelligent Emergency Call.
The BMW X5 xDrive40e includes BMW Group Malaysia’s 5 years unlimited mileage warranty, free scheduled service and BMW Tyre Warranty program.
